Abstract: A heterogeneous catalyst comprising a metal-containing polymer matrix covalently bonded to a support material and a method of making and using such catalysts. The metal-containing polymer matrix comprises metal nano-particles encapsulated in a polymer matrix, e.g., a siloxane. In one aspect, the metal-containing polymer matrix can be bonded to the support material via a hydrophobic group attached to the support material. The catalyst can be recovered after being used in a metal catalyzed reaction and exhibit excellent catalytic activity upon reuse in subsequent reactions.